Hi all, Rent is about $2,360/month for a decent place. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Would love some local perspective. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
34 upvotes
2 Replies
Reagan Reyes
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 12 years. Moved from LA for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are decent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Rising rent and home prices. Limited high-paying job options. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Hunter Rodriguez
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Maple Ridge area are better than expected. Kids love it here.